The 1968 musical FINIAN'S RAINBOW has definitely grown on me over the years and is now a part of my permanent video collection. This was one of the first directorial assignments for Francis Ford Copolla, who would go on to direct THE GODFATHER. There are many stories of a troubled production history regarding the film, including many disagreements between star Fred Astaire and the director, as well as a change in choreographers. Fred's long-time choreographer Hermes Pan was originally signed but Copolla wanted more "realistic" choreography (whatever that means) and had him replaced; however, little of this trouble really show on the screen in this delightful musical about an Irishman (Astaire) who steals a crock of gold from a leprechaun (Tommy Steele) and goes to America with his daughter (Petula Clark) to start a new life. Astaire, Clark, and especially Steele are wonderful and the musical numbers are entertaining and who can beat the Burton Lane-E.Y. Harburg score with songs like "Look to the Rainbow" and "Old Devil Moon". An above average musical and, if possible, try to see it in a theater.
Review of Finian's Rainbow
